Best Job Ever|Boca Resort

Let’s turn the pages back to Boca. Twenty years ago I worked as a front server in the members Club Room at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. I would spin and weave across the dance floor, carrying trays piled high with Maine lobster and braised leeks. This hotel was the kind of fancy that had me in a tuxedo each night. Other than the the Resort Golf Course, I never really saw much more of the hotel than the Club Room. Recently, the Boca Resort invited us back to enjoy a few days with them. Oh my. Things were very different this time. I’ve seen some nice places as a travel writer, but this was something else altogether. It’s a reminder that this just might be the best job I’ve ever had.

The plan was to do a little kayaking fishing while in Boca. The truck was so filled with kayaks and gear, the snook at Red Reef Park would have little chance. The rock patches and coral reefs just off the beach would be perfect. It was me however, who had absolutely no chance of leaving the hotel grounds. It was caviar and Cadillacs and I was being pampered. How on Earth could I leave?

Boca Hotel Amenities

FlowRider: What looks like some kind of high pressured water ramp is actually a dual sided wave simulator. One can take a knee ride on a boogie board or be tested standing up on a single ski. Remember, I say you, not me. I’m fragile like a tiny snow crystal. The perch at the Flow House was perfect for relaxing in the sun with James Joyce and Agatha Christie. We had the tater-tots at the Shaka Bar and Grill. Covered with cheddar, bacon, scallions, and pickle bits. Sitting by the pool and the FlowRider. Real fancy.

Restuarants: The Boca Raton Resort and Club offers restaurants and snack bars all over its property. Our experience seemed to evolve around the views we had with meals. The Sea Grille Beach at the Beach Club touts seating overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe looking at water just makes food taste better. It was either that or the ocean breeze mixing with my calamari.

The Blue is a fine-dining restaurant, located at the top of the tower, that serves New American food and contemporary drink. When we got there, we were presented with The Chef’s Seafood Tower. This mound of claws, legs, shrimp and oysters (east and west) potentially represents more pleasure than most people will allow themselves to feel. Between that, the scallops crudo, and the pan seared snapper, I felt like a child standing in the sun for the first time. I love eating meals on vacation.

Waldorf Astoria Spa: What visit would be complete without a ritual bath and message at the spa? Every morning should be spent alternating from showers to baths at varying temperatures. As a multitude of jets spray water in every direction, others dump gallons of hot water down on the shoulders and back. Yes, it was incredibly decadent. The private bath included a facial butter, exfoliating whip, and a little mango sorbet with ice water. At this point, it had really gotten unbelievable. Pura Vida!

Boca Raton Fishing: I never did much fishing when I live in Boca Raton. I was always playing volleyball or stalking girls from Lynn University. I was pumped to revisit and try some Atlantic kayak fishing. From my balcony overlooking Lake Boca Raton, I watched fishermen throw their bait nets. During dinner, from our booth in the tower I could see vessels piloting up the inter-coastal and heading starboard out the Boca Raton Pass. They certainly looked very busy. I hope they caught fish. We had some at every meal. The kayaks never left the truck.

I don’t get pampered very much. It would be better if it happened more. When I worked for the Boca Resort, I knew I was giving people a quality experience in the restaurant. This time around I got to enjoy it from the other side. I am very much enjoying traveling around with a pretty girl and having new adventures together. Find your way to the mouth of the rat, on the shores of Lake Boca Raton, and let them pamper you. Visit The Boca Raton Resort and Club website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.